Hi, I’m Kristin Pena, a design and creative leadership professional with 25+ years steering print strategy, digital workflow transformations, and cross-functional teams for global fashion brands. I specialize in prints, graphics, trims, textiles, and CAD systems, and excel at balancing creative vision with operational excellence to speed time-to-market while delivering trend-right, high-quality products. I’ve led end-to-end concept development, standardized workflows across geographies, and mentored remote CAD/textile teams to raise performance and collaboration. I balance creative vision with operational excellence to accelerate speed-to-market and deliver trend-right, high-quality products. I’ve led end-to-end concept development, mentored remote CAD/textile teams, standardized workflows across geographies, and partnered with design/merchandising/production to align CAD with assortment strategy.…

Kristin Pena

Hi, I’m Kristin Pena, a design and creative leadership professional with 25+ years steering print strategy, digital workflow transformations, and cross-functional teams for global fashion brands. I specialize in prints, graphics, trims, textiles, and CAD systems, and excel at balancing creative vision with operational excellence to speed time-to-market while delivering trend-right, high-quality products. I’ve led end-to-end concept development, standardized workflows across geographies, and mentored remote CAD/textile teams to raise performance and collaboration. I balance creative vision with operational excellence to accelerate speed-to-market and deliver trend-right, high-quality products. I’ve led end-to-end concept development, mentored remote CAD/textile teams, standardized workflows across geographies, and partnered with design/merchandising/production to align CAD with assortment strategy.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Kristin Pena, a design and creative leadership professional with 25+ years steering print strategy, digital workflow transformations, and cross-functional teams for global fashion brands. I specialize in prints, graphics, trims, textiles, and CAD systems, and excel at balancing creative vision with operational excellence to speed time-to-market while delivering trend-right, high-quality products. I’ve led end-to-end concept development, standardized workflows across geographies, and mentored remote CAD/textile teams to raise performance and collaboration.

I balance creative vision with operational excellence to accelerate speed-to-market and deliver trend-right, high-quality products. I’ve led end-to-end concept development, mentored remote CAD/textile teams, standardized workflows across geographies, and partnered with design/merchandising/production to align CAD with assortment strategy.

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Skills

Experience Level

Work Experience

Creative Director at InnovAsia
February 1, 2019 - February 1, 2025
Directed multiple remote design team members while maintaining strict timelines. Designed a range of print and digital materials including product decks, signage, and social media posts. Mentored global design teams and oversaw client, vendor, and production workflows.
CAD Director at Calvin Klein (G-III)
March 1, 2017 - February 1, 2019
Managed the Women's Performance CAD function and directed all art projects for several brands. Partnered with design, merchandising, and production to align CAD with assortment strategy while leading a team of designers to deliver projects.
CAD Director at Almost Famous Clothing
August 1, 2015 - March 1, 2017
Oversaw CAD graphics and seasonal textile development while improving workflow efficiency and aligning palettes with seasonal trends. Coordinated with external vendors for large-scale projects.
Graphic Design Director at The Jones Group
May 1, 2009 - September 1, 2012
Delivered CAD packages for seasonal presentations while maintaining brand consistency across diverse categories and meeting tight deadlines through effective workload management.
Senior Graphic Designer at Nautica Retail
February 1, 2005 - January 1, 2009
Managed multiple art projects while upholding brand identity and prepared presentations for seasonal buyer meetings, directly engaging with senior executives.
Graphic Designer at Tommy Hilfiger
September 1, 2000 - January 1, 2005
Led CAD, print, and graphic digital artwork across various product categories, ensuring design quality and alignment with brand vision.
Print Director at Calvin Klein (G-III)
March 1, 2017 - February 1, 2019
Implemented trend forecasting strategies; mentored design teams on CAD/PLM standards. Led seasonal textile and print development across multiple fashion categories. Conducted trend and market research to identify print opportunities and assortments. Partnered with sales and merchandising to present trend/print direction during market week. Managed external vendors and freelancers to execute high-volume print development.
Print Director at Almost Famous Clothing
August 1, 2015 - March 1, 2017
Oversaw CAD graphics and seasonal print/textile development across multiple brands.
Senior Print Designer at Nautica Retail
February 1, 2005 - January 1, 2009
Developed packaging, branding, and product storytelling for retail and DTC. Designed range of print + digital material; product decks, signage and social media posts. Partnered with factories and clients to deliver trend-driven, market-ready collections. Led print, CAD, textile and product development from concept to production. Consulting across home + apparel brands including soft home, bedding, and accessories.
Design Consultant
February 1, 2025 - Present
Provided design strategy and consultancy across surface pattern, CAD, and textile workflows, and supported cross-functional teams.

Education

BFA at Syracuse University
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2004
BFA at Syracuse University
January 11, 2030 - April 24, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level